Meskwaki Bingo & Casino - Tama, IA on November 28, 1998

Seeing Marty Saturday night was just what I needed after a long and busy week. My great Uncle passed away, so with a funeral, Thanksgiving, and working (I work in retail and had to be there at 6:30 a.m. Friday and 7:30 a.m. Saturday, I was ready for some fun!

We were only able to go to the 2nd show (which is usually better anyway), so when we got to Meskwaki we had time to eat, then got in line for the show. We were trying to find out about the M&G so after the 1st show let out nothing was announced so I decided to ask the security guard. He said "yes, if you have your cards you can go in right now."

Just as we got in, Marty came out (he was eating something). He had on black jeans and a black western shirt. The line went fast. About 25 people and we were at the end. Nicholas (my son) gave him a picture to sign (one I'd taken at Super Toad). Marty asked him his name and signed it "To Nick." I've already framed it. Nick asked him to sing "King of Dixie" and Marty said " wow, that's a tough one!". I told Marty that picture was from Super Toad and he laughed and said "now that's one great honky tonk!" Kevin reminded him of the great hat he was wearing that night. I had him sign a flyer of him I'd found at the front desk.

We got seats in the 4th row center which were excellent! Marty came out in his torn blue jeans with a white western shirt that had gold trim and lots of gold beads that hung down his arms. Looked like a Hank Williams shirt. It was real flashy. He started with "Hey Baby" and had that echoing effect to it. Then sang "Doin my Time". He joked about Travis. He called him to wish him Happy Thanksgiving and Travis was watching "Barney"! Then he sang "Whiskey."

He played several songs from the new album. One about a crow, "Hobo's Prayer," and "Red Red Wine and Cheatin' Songs." Said they were going back into the studio Sunday night to finish up recording.

On the mandolin he did "Oh what a Silent Night" then "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You" and had the audience sing it. Both were just beautiful! He featured Brad on a bluegrass song and Gary did his thing. They used that blinking strobe light alot and one time Gregg was standing up waving his arms acting crazy!

They did "Tempted," "Now That's Country," "Hillbilly Rock" and "Burn Me Down."

Marty was really having a good time and one thing I really liked was that on just about every song, they did a different arrangement. This show was so different from the show last month. He didn't tell many stories, just played music. There was no encore. After the last song he said "Merry Christmas" and just stood at the end of the stage and shook just about everyone's hand as they left.

We had a great time. The best part of the show for me was watching my son (he's 6). He sat on the edge of his chair and sang every song with Marty! He really loves Marty. The next day he even remembered the new songs. The one about the newspaper boy (the crow one), and the red and white song, he said! After winning $80 at the slot machines, we decided to call it a night and head for home.

Review by Lori Shirley, Boone, IA